Fancy a scone, dear?
There are a number of recipes that people think are quintissentially “Australian”… quite a lot of which we inherited from the British when they colonised this country in 1788. Scones are one of them.
But nobody made scones like Queensland senator and wife of the most corrupt politician Australia has ever seen – Lady Flo Bjelke-Petersen. Famous for her homely sayings, pumpkin scone recipes and basically being a puppet for her husband, poor Flo once said she hoped people remembered her for being a senator that baked scones, not just the whole scone thing.
Sorry Flo.
Her husband, Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen was a highly-autocratic, shady, corrupt, paranoid politician that had Queensland Police in his back pocket, accepted bribes from all and sundry, actively discriminated against Aboriginals (and even tried to prevent them from being allowed to vote), had a hand in just about every development in the state, hated the media and worked actively to stop them reporting on or investigating his dealings, sued for defamation at will using taxpayer’s money, blackmailed people, supported apartheid, created laws banning people from protesting his decisions, and when asked about his dealings, famously kept repeating “don’t you worry about that”.
Flo made scones.
Joh was our longest-serving state Premier, being in power from 1968 to 1987. His corruption was finally brought to light after the ABC aired an episode on Four Corners about some mighty shady dealings with brothels and bribes, and finally an inquiry was ordered into his alleged misconduct.
He was then tried for perjury over the evidence he presented to the Fitzgerald Inquiry, but the jury was deadlocked, thanks to the foreman being a Bjelke-Petersen sympathiser. Joh was announced “too old” for a retrial.
He then sued for $353 million compensation. He lost.
From Queensland’s sordid history comes the iconic food that went right along with it – poor old Flo’s scones. Which are actually quite delicious. So when you’re baking this little piece of history, you now have some fabulous talking points to mull over while you put the kettle on and get out your best tea towel on Australia Day.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 cup cold mashed pumpkin
2 cups self raising flour
Method:
1. Cream the butter, sugar and salt.
2. Add egg, then pumpkin and mix in flour lightly until dough comes together.
3. Turn onto a floured board and pat dough to about 1/2 inch thick.
4. Cut out rounds and put on a tray, quite close together.
5. Bake in a hot oven 223-250C for 15-20 minutes.
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| Image credit |
Camilla Baker says
January 25, 2011 at 9:01 pmI think Flo did more for Australians hands down….I love pumpkin scones! Your tea set is a bit fabulous also- enjoy your Australian day Veggie Mama
Veggie Mama says
January 25, 2011 at 9:07 pmOh yes, I much prefer a scone to a brothel, but I'm a bit old fashioned 😉
Enjoy yours too, dear!
Siân@Toru says
January 25, 2011 at 10:57 pmI have not had pumpkin scones since childhood – and I loved them . My dad used to make them for Sunday nite supper:) pleased to have a recipe to try my own – thanks.
Veggie Mama says
January 25, 2011 at 11:38 pmPleased to be of assistance!
Mel says
January 26, 2011 at 12:32 amThank you for the recipe – perfect for Australia Day. You've inspired me to whip up a batch to take to a bbq today and I'm thinking I might make some little Flo flags on toothpicks for decoration.
Jodie at Mummy Mayhem says
January 26, 2011 at 3:35 amI love scones of all kinds. Delish. Thanks for the recipe!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
January 26, 2011 at 10:22 amHaha great post Veggie Mama! I chuckled all the way through it. Politicians-meh! 😛 Pumpkin scones however-yum!
Veggie Mama says
January 26, 2011 at 10:53 amhaha poor old Flo! So agree with you about politicians, scones are way more three-dimensional! And delicious…
Three.20 says
January 26, 2011 at 5:01 pmOh my goodness, that recipe looks incredibly easy! Now I know what to do with that sad little can of neglected Pumpkin Puree in the cupboard. thanks!
MaidInAustralia says
January 26, 2011 at 11:47 pmI grew up in Peanut/Sir Joh country so cannot possibly comment for fear of offending all sorts of people. However I can openly say that Lady Flo can cook. Mum gave me her cookbooks many years ago (mine are even signed by the lady herself), and I can honestly say it's good, honest country cooking. No fuss, and the recipes practically always turn out. Even the kids will eat the pumpkin scones I make using her recipe. Her books are my go-to when I need something quick and easy to make, and yeah, way to use up leftover mashed pumpkin!
Three.20 says
August 17, 2011 at 3:30 amOh my goodness, that recipe looks incredibly easy! Now I know what to do with that sad little can of neglected Pumpkin Puree in the cupboard. thanks!
MaidInAustralia says
August 17, 2011 at 3:30 amI grew up in Peanut/Sir Joh country so cannot possibly comment for fear of offending all sorts of people. However I can openly say that Lady Flo can cook. Mum gave me her cookbooks many years ago (mine are even signed by the lady herself), and I can honestly say it's good, honest country cooking. No fuss, and the recipes practically always turn out. Even the kids will eat the pumpkin scones I make using her recipe. Her books are my go-to when I need something quick and easy to make, and yeah, way to use up leftover mashed pumpkin!
Mel says
August 17, 2011 at 3:30 amThank you for the recipe – perfect for Australia Day. You've inspired me to whip up a batch to take to a bbq today and I'm thinking I might make some little Flo flags on toothpicks for decoration.
Veggie Mama says
August 17, 2011 at 3:30 amPleased to be of assistance!
Camilla Baker says
August 17, 2011 at 3:30 amI think Flo did more for Australians hands down….I love pumpkin scones! Your tea set is a bit fabulous also- enjoy your Australian day Veggie Mama